"No to 4-1-1 MOT" say motorists

76% of car owners reject the idea of a car’s first MOT taking place at four years

Published: 24 April, 2017

76% of car owners reject the idea of a car's first MOT taking place at four years old according to research published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The survey examined driver attitudes to the proposed 4-1-1 MOT being considered by the Department for Transport (DfT).

In the YouGov survey, when told about plans to change the date of a car's first MOT, more than three quarters of car owners said the test should continue to take place when the vehicle is three years old.

More than two thirds (68%) also expressed concern that delaying the car's first MOT could put themselves and other road users in danger.

17% of all cars taking their first MOT at three years do not meet minimum safety requirements. Postponing the first MOT for a further 12 months could therefore result in almost half a million more cars in unfit condition driving freely and unchecked on UK roads,

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes says: "The MOT is an essential check on the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles. Extending the first test for cars from three to four years is not what consumers or industry want given the serious risk posed to road safety and vehicles' environmental performance. The latest vehicles are equipped with advanced safety systems but it is still critical that wear and tear items such as tyres and brakes are checked regularly and replaced.

"We urge government to scrap its plans to change a test system that has played a vital role in making the UK's roads among the safest in the world."